I always connect to the 2.4GHz wifi from the router on my Salix desktop. Today I thought of connecting to the 5GHz WiFi, but I realized that the network manager in Salix is not showing the 5GHz wifi. How do I get the 5GHz wifi networks to show up in the network manager on Salix? Do I need upgrade Network manager or any other packages needed?

The Wi-Fi adapter that I have TPLink TL-WN823N supports only 2.4 GHz. I need to purchase some adapter that supports 5GHz.

Does any one know of a cheap wifi adapter that works out of the box? The adapter that I have uses Realtek RTL8192CU and it's linux support is not that great. Fortunately, there are instructions on the internet (I have added a how-to guide in salix forums as well when I got this working) to patch it so that it works fine.

To give a recommendation is not trivial. A few days ago I read in a magazine a buying guide about WLAN adapters. In addition to general information about WLAN and WPA3, several adapters for fast WLAN are listed. The most interesting part consists of two tables with adapter data. The devices listed in both tables are not completely congruent. I've merged the data from both tables as much as possible. It compares work results on Linux and Windows for 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz, respectively for close-up operation and 20 m distance. The Meditek chip MT7612U in the AC 860 and the MT7610U are for the first time directly supported in kernel 4.19.

Important for fast WLAN are at least two available streams, as well as "dual-band" capability of the USB adapter and the WLAN base. Thus 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz can be used simultaneously which increases the throughput. The sticks should be operated in a USB dock or USB hub in order to achieve a good antenna alignment. High data rates are only possible near the router.